The emergence and recurrence of child firesetting: a one-year prospective study

This study provides 1-year, prospective data regarding the firesetting histories of a sample of 138 children (ages 6-13 years) recruited from patient and non-patient populations. Parent and child interviews were conducted at initial assessment and 1-year followup. Of 78 children initially classified as nonfiresetters, 14 children (18%) later had set a fire. Of 60 children initially identified as firesetters, 21 (35%) had set an additional fire by followup. Late starting was associated with limited family sociability, whereas recidivism was associated with child knowledge about combustibles and involvement in fire-related activities, community complaints about fire contact, child hostility, lax discipline, family conflict, and limited parental acceptance, family affiliation, and organization. The findings highlight alternative risk variables for initiation and repetition of child firesetting.